Yuma schools working hard to keep students healthy

Yuma County school officials say they are taking a variety of steps to ensure that students have a safe, healthy learning environment during this flu season.

Darwin Stiffler, Yuma Elementary School District 1 superintendent, said they are cooperating closely with the Yuma County Health District.

"We're doing everything and more than what the county health department recommends, and we're in constant contact with them."

Stiffler said several weeks ago, they sent home H1N1 information flyers with students as well as used their automated phone system to inform parents about steps to take.

Among other measures, District 1 has asked students and staff to stay home if they show any symptoms of flu and also provided hand sanitizer at all schools. In addition, they registered with Mollen Immunization Clinics to set up sites at schools so the entire district community can get flu shots, Stiffler noted.

Chris Weigel, Crane Elementary School District communications director, said Superintendent Cindy Didway has put together a Power Point presentation titled, "Good Health is in Your Hands." The multimedia presentation has been screened for the entire district.

"We're extremely proactive in our efforts. Health assistants triage and separate students with signs of flu from those who come to health services just for medication."

Weigel said custodians are wiping down all classroom solid surfaces with disinfectant and playground equipment weekly, while light switches and door knobs are disinfected daily. And buses are mopped weekly, while bus seats and hand rails are disinfected twice a day between runs. And office personnel wipe down keyboards and solid surfaces weekly.

Food service staff also take precautions by not allowing student workers to serve or prepare food if any show flu symptoms. And Crane has also asked all students to refrain from sharing food.

Crane also has on its Web site, www.craneschools.org, links to the county health services. And Crane distributed hundreds of posters, "Cover Your Cough" explaining in English and Spanish how everyone can protect themselves.

"With all the procedures we've implemented, one of the last places to catch the flu is in school," Weigel said.

Toni Badone, Yuma Union High School District superintendent, said their Web site, www.yumaunion.com, has a button, H1N1 Update, which provides all the information parents need. Last spring when the virus first appeared on the scene, YUHSD sent home flyers with students about how to recognize symptoms and what to do about it.

"All of our schools have done a good job," Badone said. "They're proactive about getting the word out to staff and students. I really believe they've been more proactive than any organization in the community."

Kevin Tunell, Yuma County spokesman, said they are really trying to hammer home the message.

"We don't set policy with the school districts. We make recommendations but it's ultimately up to the superintendents."

Tunell reminds parents they can phone a flu hotline, 373-1025, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to learn more information.

"H1N1 is here in the county but no matter what we'll get through the next few months. The lion's share of our residents are following the county's recommendations."

William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.